Estimated average yearly cost of owning an adult animal; includes health care and feed. Assuming irrigated pasture can supply all of the animal’s nutritional needs April - October, and harvested feed October March. Non-irrigated parcels will require harvested feed daily to meet the animal’s nutritional need.
Sheep Goat Alpaca Llama Horse Cow Pig (6 month ownership)
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*Irrigated Pasture $110 $110 $110 $140 $990 $390 $280
Non-irrigated Parcel $200 $200 $200 $290 $1,240 $910 $280
Assumes grass hay at market value of $200/ton. *Does not include irrigation fees, equipment and labor.
Recommendations for Proper Animal Husbandry r r r r r r
Shelter. Adequate nutrition and water. Exercise. Yearly vaccinations/Parasite control. Safe fencing. Emergency response plan.
Emergency Response Plan
Unfortunately, livestock can experience serious injury that may require veterinary assistance. Be prepared to have a means to transport your animals to a veterinary hospital to get necessary care. First-aid kits are a wonderful tool to help you give immediate attention to an injury until further care can be provided. Natural disasters often force livestock owners to make difficult decisions regarding pets and livestock. Although these animals deserve protection, keep in mind the human life should not be unnecessarily put at risk for the benefit of the animals. Having a well thought-out evacuation plan will protect your animals, your family and emergency response teams from unnecessary danger.
Evacuation Planning r r r r r r
Pre-arranged transportation to a pre-arranged destination. Permanent identification (ear tag, micro-chip, collars) for each animal. Health records/medications/veterinarian contact information. Emergency store of feed and water (3 - 7 days worth). Proof of ownership. Feed, halters/ropes, identification, records and medication should be placed in one location to make evacuation efficient and speedy.
Keep a written evacuation plan in a drawer or cupboard near the telephone in the event you are not home at the time evacuation must take place. Also include an inventory of livestock for evacuation. If evacuation is not possible, give an escape route to your animals; open gates/pens to allow animals the opportunity to flee a dangerous area or situation.
Keep the Environment Safe
Livestock production can affect the environment in positive and negative ways. Good management of livestock often adds nutrients to the soil and improves the aesthetics and value of the property through good stewardship of the land. However, poor management of livestock can harm the environment and put animals and humans at risk of disease and/or other contaminants. Dispose of manure and dead animals in a safe manner, away from wells and running water. There are local, state and federal laws in place that address water quality as it relates to agriculture. Obtain a copy of the “Crooked River Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan” from the Crook County SWCD. For assistance or questions regarding manure management and animal disposal contact the OSU Crook County Extension Service. OSU Crook County Extension Service can assist you with animal husbandry, nutrition and management of livestock. Contact the extension office before you purchase any animals in order to have a safe, healthy home for your livestock.
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